Coin mechanism for vending machines



Aug. 16, 1932. c. A. MELCHERT COIN MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES FiledApril 2, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet IN VEN TOR. 6/70/7615 A. Me/c/re/f ATTORNEY.

Aug. 16, 1932. c. A. MELCHERT 1,871,901

COIN MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 2, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2l- INVENTAOR.

C/70P/66 fZ Mc/marf A TTORNE Y.

Aug. 16, 1932.

c. A. MVELCHERT 1,871,901

COIN MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 2, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 49/ //z I J Q P/l 97 J-h 2-25 99 h- 105 I /"'Z4 ll 7 50 4a 1 54 5/ I i 5i 5 4 g 5 g, a4

\Z' 4 INVENTOR.

Char/e5 fiMe/abe/v BY N ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 16, 1932 UNETE' ear. .FFESE -v CHARLES A. LEELCHERT, OFKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR, BY IVIESNE ASSIGN- ianmrs, TO ARCHIE 0.LONG,

OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI COIN MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES Applicationfiled April '2,

This invention relates to a coin-controlled mechanism for vending andlike machines and more particularly to a mechanism for ejecting spuriouscoins, slugs, and tokens, the principal objects of the invention bemg toprovide for the ejection of slugs that may have the same dimensions asthe coins for which the machine is adapted but are of In accomplishingthese and other objects of the invention, 1 have provided improved asdetails of structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a coin mechanism embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the mechanism illustrating a coinentering the coin-controlled ratchet wheel.

Fig. 3 is a similar view illustrating partial actuation of thecoin-controlled mechanism and showing actuation of the clearing meansfor clearing the coin passageway adjacent the magnet.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical central section through the mechanismillustrating the coin-controlled ratchet wheel and its operating knob.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 55, Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of the coin-controlled ratchet wheelillustrating the coin-receiving pockets.

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of the coin chute carrying theweighing device for ejecting coins and slugs lighter than the onesrequired to operate the machine.

1931. ska-en .No. 527,116.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The mechanism constituting my invention is supported on a rectangularplate'l which is mounted in vertical position adjacent an inner wall 2of a vending machine case 3, the plate being secured to the wall of thecasing by spacing brackets attached tothe plate 1 as illustrated in Fig.4.

Formed in the casing of the machine is a slotted opening 5 andsuperimposed there over is a plate 6 having a slotted opening '4' of asize to snugly pass the desired coin for which the control mechanism isset.

Fixed on the face of the plate 1 and inclined downwardly from theopening 5 to substantially the vertical median lineoi the plate is acoin chute 8 comprising a plate having its lower edge bent outwardly andthen upwardly to provide side walls 9 and 10 and a bottom wall 11. t 1

Formed in the bottom wall 11 and extend ing longitudinally thereof is aslotted open ing 12 for receiving a weighing device 13 whichis set toeject coins through'the open ing 12 that are heavier than those intendedto permit operation of the coin controlled mechanism. 1

The weighing device 13 includes a bracket 1 1 secured to the outer wallof the chute and having spaced ears 15 forming bearing brackets forsupporting a pivoted leaf 16 extending substantially horizontally acrossand normally closing the opening 12, the ends of the plate beingprovided with suitable trunnions 17 received in apertures in thebrackets.

In order to adjust the plate to function f and eject certain weightcoins, it is provided with an outwardly extending portion 18 J carryinga balancing weight 1 9 which normally retains the leaf in position toclose the opening 12. The weight 19 may comprise a screw insertedthrough an opening in the leaf and is retained by a nut 20'threaded ontothe depending end thereof. r

A plurality of nuts 21 are also applied to the depending end of thescrew to form an adjustment by which the weighing device is regulated to-,.co unterbalance the weight g of I the correct coin that is insertedthrough the opening 5. Thus it is apparent that by regulating theposition of the nuts 21 on the depending end of the screw, the weighingde- 5 vice, consisting of the pivotal leaf 12, may be adjusted tocounterbalance the weight of any desired coin so that coins heavier thanthe ones desired may rock the leaf on its pivot to allow those coins todrop from the chute.

Coins having the exact Weight ofthe counterbalance will continue to rollto the lower end of the chute where they will drop through a notch 22into a second chute 23 mounted on the plate below the first named chuteand inclined in the opposite direction toward the forward edge of theplate. This chute is substantially of the same construction as the chutepreviously described and includes side walls 24 and 25 and a bottom wall26 having an opening 27 formed therein, about midway of its length.

Positioned at the end of the chute 8 in line with the coin rollingtherefrom, are the arms 28 of a permanent magnet 29 that is adapted todivert slugs composed of magnetic metal into a pocket 30 andthrough aslot formed by pressing a tongue 31 from the plate 1 as shown in Figs. 1and 2, the pocket being in the plane of the chutes previously described.

The magnet 29 may be of the ordinary horseshoe type and is retained onthe plate 1 by non-magnetic plates 32 and 33 engaging the opposite sidesof the magnet and secured by a screw 34 extendingtherethrough at a pointbetween the arms of the magnet.

Fixed to the rear wall 24 of the chute 23 at a point below the forwardedge of the notch 22 is a lug 35 having a laterally projecting ear 36for directing the coin into contact with the arms of the magnet.

Received in the opening 27 of the second chute is a similar weighingdevice 37 which includes a pivotal leaf 38 having trunnions 39 pivotedadjacent the outer wall of the chute in spaced ears 4O complementary tothe ears 15 of the weighing device, previously described. The leaf iscounterbalanced by a screw 41 secured in a laterally extending ear 42 onthe leaf by a nut 43 and having its free end depending below the plateto receive adjusting nuts 44 whereby the plate may be balanced to pivotwhen a coin of the proper weight passes thereover to allow the coin todrop through the opening 27 into the coin controlled ratchet wheel 45,later described.

Stamped from the plate 1 and extending angularlv toward the forwardlower end of the chute 23 is an ear 46 for diverting coins which are notof sufficient weight to pivot the leaf 38, the coins being diverted bythe ear through an opening 47 formed in the plate adjacent the end ofthe chute.

The coin-controlled ratchet wheel comprises a circular disk 48 fixed onan actuating shaft 49 rotatably mounted in the plate and in the wall ofthe casing 2 as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the disk being providedwith a hub 50 having an axial opening 51 for receiving a threaded end 52of the shaft and is prevented from rotation thereon by a lock nut 53threaded on the projecting end of the shaft and'engaging the end of thehub, the nut being secured by a cotter pin 54 extending through anopening in the shaft.

The disk 48 is spaced from the plate to accommodate a block 55 having anupper inclined edge 56 which forms a track for discharging a coin whichis smaller in diameter than the required coin.

Formed in the disk 45 at opposite diametric points are stop shoulders 57and 58 adapted to alternately engage a ratchet pawl 59,- pivoted ona-stud 60 which projects from the plate 1, the pawl being held inengagement with the disk by a spring- 61 having one end secured to theplate and its opposite end to the pawl. The pawl 59 is spaced from thenormal position of the upper shoulder to provide an initial freemovement of the ratchet wheel for purposes hereinafter described.

Extending inwardly from the outer periphery of the disk at points spacedlaterally from the shoulders 57 and 58 are notches 62 and 63 forreceiving a coin-supporting yoke 64 which cooperates with the face ofthe disk to form coin receiving pockets 65 and 66. The yoke 64 comprisesa strip of metal having its ends bent laterally as at 67 to extendthrough the notches 62 and 63 and the projecting ends of the yoke arebent laterally to overlie the face of the disk to be secured thereto byfastening devices 68. The central portions of the yokes are spaced fromthe opposite face of the disk to form the coinreceiving pockets 65 and66, and their outer upper edges are provided with shoulders 70complementary to the shoulders 57 and 58 formed in the disk and areadapted to cooperate therewith for engagement with the pawl 59.

Threaded in an opening 71 in one of the arms of, the yoke is a set screw72 having a pointed end 73 forming a stop which cooperates with theother arm of the yoke to support a coin'in position for engaging un derthe end of the pawl 59 as shown in Fig. 2. The set screw 72 may beadjusted to support coins of the desired size and may be locked inadjusted position by a lock nut 74 engaging against the face of theyoke.

It is thus apparent that when a coin drops through from the weighingdevice and is seated in the yoke, rotation of the disk will cause thecoin to cam the pawl 59 upwardly to permit the shoulder 57 to pass underthe pawl, and the disk may continue to rotate in an anti-clockwisedirection, Fig. 2.

:. netand to clear shoulders In order to prevent retractive rotation ofthe disk after it has been released by the pawl 59, I provide pivotedpawls and 76 adapted to engage a series of notches 77 and 78 formed inthe peripheryof the disk between the shoulders 57 and 58.

The coin is retained in position in the yoke during its rotation by anarcuate guide 79 projecting from the face of the plate 1. When a coinrides off of the lower end of the guide 79 it is then free to drop fromthe yoke into a coin receptacle adapted to receive it, (not shown). Thedisk may con tinue its rotation until stopped by the pawl "i 59 engagingthe other stop shoulder 58. At

this point the opposite coin pocket will be in the same position as thatpreviously occupied by the other pocket. The actuating shaft may beoperated by any suitable knob or lever designated at 80, Fig. 4.

In order to complete rotation of the disk after it has been released bythe pawl 59 and to retain the disk so that one of the pockets stopsdirectly under the opening in the lower chute, I provide the disk withlaterally projecting pins 81 and 82 positioned at opposite diametricpoints on the' disk substantially midway between the coin pockets, asbest illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.

Pivoted adjacent the forward edge of the plate 1 on a bracket 83 belowthe pins 81 and. 82, is a lever 84 having its free end 85 pivotallysupported in engagement with the pins by a link 86 which is supported by*gf coil spring 87 having one end fixed to the plate 1 and its oppositeend in an opening formed in the link 86, the link 86 being pivoted tothe free end of the lever 84 by a pin 88.

t is thus apparent that when the disk is rotated in a clockwisedirection the pin 81 on the left hand side cams the lever downwardly, asshown in F ig. 3, against the tension ofthe spring 87. As soon as thepin 81 passes the vertical median line of the disk the stored up energyin the spring 87 causes the disk to continue rotation to move the pocket66 in position to receive a coin. The pawls 75 and 7 6 are retained inengagement with the notches by springs 89 and 90 similar to the spring61 for the pawl 59.

It sometimes happens that coins may lodge in the passageway between thechutes 8 and 23 or they may stick to the arms of the magthe passageway,I provide a lever 91 which is pivoted to the plate 1 below the chute 8on a pin 92. The free end of the lever 91 projects to a point adjacentthe ends of the chutes and is provided with a laterally extending finger93 adapted to operate across the ends of the chute and the projectingends of the magnet. The lever is connected with and operated by the link86 upon initial rotation of the disk or until one of the 57 or 58 engagethe-pawl 59.

When the actuating knob is released by the operator in attempting towork the machine with a spurious coin, the spring 87 restores the disk45 to its original position, due to the fact that the pin 81 is inengagement with position the'other pin 82 also engagesthe V lever andthe disk is retained thereby so that;

one of the coin pockets always aligns with the opening in the chute 23.

Often times when slugs and counterfeit coins are inserted in themachine, theoperator will attempt to shake the machine tocause the.spurious coins to operate the weighing device 37 and to preventoperation of the pivoted plate I provide a mechanism actuated by shakingof the machine to latch theplate against movement.

The mechanism comprises a reciprocating latch bar 94 having a verticalportion 95 slid,- ably mounted on ears 96. and 97 projecting from theplate 1 adjacent its forward-edge,

the arm being, secured byscrews 98 and 99 projecting through slots 100and 101 in the arms and into threaded openings in the ears. The lowerend of the arm is bent laterally toward the end of the chute 23 and thendownwardly at an angle to provide a horizontal and an inclined portion102 and 103 respectively.

Extending laterally from the portion 102 is a tongue 104 adapted tooverlie the chute and the inclined portion 103 has a finger 105 havingits free, end bent toward and overlying the pivoted leaf 38 of theweighingdevice 37. The latch is normally urged into position forengaging the plate by a spring 106 having one end attached to thehorizontal portion 102 of the latch and its opposite end attached to theplate 1. p

In order to retain the latch in normal position, that is with the tongue104 above the chute and the finger 105 clearing the pivoted leaf topermit actuation of the weighing device, I provide the plate 1 with alaterally bent tooth 107 adapted to engage a shoulder 108 on the latchas illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4 to support the latch against tension ofits spring 106. Y

It is thus apparent that should the operator attempt to shake themachine the latch will be jarred from engagement with the tooth 107 andthe spring will pull the latch into position for engaging and actuatingthe plate 38 and the across the end of the chute. parent that since theweighing mechanism cannot operate, the coins cannot pass into thecoin-controlled disk, but must pass on down the chute 23 until stoppedby the tongue 104 on the latch lever.

It is therefore necessary to provide means for restoring the latch tonormal position and to accomplish-this object I have provided the lever91 with a forwardly extending por Should a coin of small tion 109extending through a notch 110 formed in the vertical portion of thelatch and which, upon initial actuation of the ratchet wheel will engagethe upper edge of the notch to raise the latch into engagement with thetooth carried on the plate 1.

Attention is directed to the fact that the spring 106 is positioned todraw the latch toward the plate 1 and into seating engagement with itssupporting tooth. Upon restoring the latch to normal position the tongue104 permits the coin to drop out of the machine through the slot l7.

There may be times when the pivoted plate 38 is actuated it will remainin pivoted position and to return the plate to normal position forclosing the opening in the bottom of the chute I provide the lever 91with a spring finger 112adapted to engage the ear 4l2on the plate whenthe lever is moved by the link 86 upon actuation of the coin-controlleddisk. diameter pass through the machine and drop into one of the coinpockets in the control disk it will drop on through and roll down theinclined face of the block 55 previously described, and be clirectedthereby toward a slot 113 formed in the rear edge of the plate adjacentthe periphery of the guided through the slot by a tongue 11a pressedfrom the plate 1.

Assuming that the ccincontrolled mechanism is set for passing a nickelinto the coin pockets of the ratchet wheel for releasing the latch 59the operation of the mechanism is as follows If a nickel is insertedthrough the slot 7 it will roll down the chute 8 across the weighingdevice 13 without operating the leaf 16, since the adjusting nuts 21 onthe counterbalancing screw are adjusted to counterbalance the weight ofa nickel rolling down the chute.

When the nickel reaches the lower end ofthe chute it will drop throughthe notch 22 into the chute 23 and roll onto the weighing device 37 andsince the adjusting nuts 44 are regulated to permit pivoting of the leaf38 the nickel will overbalance the weight of the adjustment and dropinto the upper coin pocket 65. The operator then grasps the knob 80 androtates the ratchet wheel 45 in an anti-clockwise direction, Fig; 2, sothat the nickelwhich is supported in the pocket between the set screw 72and the arm of the yoke cams the pawl 59 upwardly to permit passage ofthe stop shoulder 57 The operator will continue rotation of the handlethrough an arc: of approximately 90 at which point the pin 81 which hasbeen acting to move the lever 8a downwardly for storing up tension inthe spring 87 will be passing dead center position, Fig. 2, and thestored up tension of the spring will cause the lever arm 84 to continuethe rotation ofthe control disk, the coin being rotation of the handle,the stop shoulder 58 will engage the end of the pawl 59 and stop itsrotation, moving the coin pocket out of position from alignment with theopening in the chute 23. However, as soon as the handle is released thestored up tension in the spring 87 willcause the lever 8 1,'due to itsengages ment with the pin 82, to rotate the ratchet wheel reverselyuntil the coin pocket again aligns with the opening in the chute. atwhich time the other pin also engages the lever so that the coin pocketis yieldingly retained by the spring in proper position for receivinganother coin.

Should a person attempt to operate the of the yoke and it will roll downthe track 56 for discharge through the slot 113.

If the coin had been lighter than a nickel it would not have actuatedthe weighing device 37 but would have continued to roll glpwn the chute23 and out through the slot Should it have been heavier than a nickel itwould have actuated the weighing device in the chute 8 and have beendischarged directly from the machine.

Should it have been composed of a metal capable of being magnetized itwould have been attracted by the arms of the magnet and diverted throughthe slot 30.

It is obvious that a coin larger than the required coin could not beinserted through the opening in theplate 6 since the opening is of theexact size to receive a nickel.

Should it be desired to adjust the machine so that a dime will permitrotation of the ratchet wheel the adjusting nuts 21 and 44 on theweighing devices will be adjusted, in the case of the weighing device14:, to counterbalance the weight of a dime and in the case of theweighing device 37, the adjusting nuts will be regulated to permit adime to pivot the plate 38 to permit passage into the coin pocket of theratchet wheel, the adjusting screw 72 in the coin pocket being adjustedto support a dime in position for engagement with a pawl 59.

' It is thus apparent that the mechanism described may be adjusted tooperate with any size of the coin desired.

Should the operator of the machine attempt to insert some form ofspurious coin into the machine and in order to prevent actuation of theweighing devices he should pound or jar themachine in an attempt to makethe coin Operate, the latch bar 95 will be jarred from latchedengagement with the tooth 107 and the spring 106 will draw the latchinglever downwardly so that the finger 105 engages the upper face of theleaf 38 to prevent actuation thereof so that the coin or the like willcontinue down the chute and lodge against the tongue 104E.

Should he attempt to rotate the knob the initial movement of the ratchetwheel 45 will cause the pin 81 to move the lever 84 downwardly until theratchet wheel is stopped by the pawl 59. Downward movement of the leverSet-will cause the link 86 to operate the lever 91 to raise the latchinglever upwardly so that the spring 106 can draw the latching lever intoengagement with the tooth 107 to again latch the bar so that the leaf 38can operate.

Should the leaf 38 tend pivoted, the spring 112 attached to the lever 91will wipe against the arm 42 on the leaf 38 and move it to position forclosing the slot in the chute 23.

The ratchet mechanism may be connected up with the operating mechanismof the vending, machine by means of the pins 81 and 82 through anysuitable mechanism such as a shaft provided with a yoke for operably eX-changing the pins.

What I claim and ters Patent is:

1. In a coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, an inclinedchute carried to stick after it is desire to secure by Letby thesupport, a pivoted weighing device as-' sociated with the chute forejecting coins of a predetermined weight, a second chute related to thefirst named chute, a magnet located adjacent the ends of said chutesfordiverting coins capable of being magnetized from passage into'the lastnamed chute, a weighing device in the last named chute for divertingcoins having determined weights, a coin-controlled mechanism locatedbelow the last named weighing device for receiving the coins divertedthereby, and means actuated by the coin-controlled mechanism forclearing the magnet.

2. In a coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, an inclinedchute carried by the support, a pivoted weighing device associated withthe chute for ejecting coins of a predetermined weight, a second chuterelated to the first named chute, a magneton the support for divertingcoins capable of eing magnetized from passage into the last named chute,a weighing device in the last named chute for diverting coins havingdetermined weights, a coin-controlled mechanism located below the lastnamed weighing device for receiving coins therefrom, and means actuatedby the coin-controlled mechanism for clearing the magnet of coinsdiverted thereby. I

lated to the first named chute, a magnet lo- .cated adjacent the ends ofsaid chutes for .iverting coins capable of being magnetized from passageinto the last named chute, a weighing device in the last named chute fordiverting coins having determined Weights, a coin controlled mechanismlocated below the last named Weighing device for receiving coinstherefrom, means actuated by the coincontrolled mechanism for clearingthe magnet of coins. diverted thereby, latching means operable byvibration of the support for preventing actuation of said last-namedWeighing device, and means operable by the controlled mechanism forrestoring the latching means to non-functional position.

4. In a coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, any inclinedchute carried by the support, a pivoted weighing device associated withthe chute for ejecting coins of a predetermined weight, a second chuterelated to the first named chute, a magnet located adjacent the ends ofsaid chutes for diverting coins capable of being magnetized from passageinto the last named chute, a weighing device in the last named chute fordiverting coins having determined weights, a coin controlled mechanismlocated below the last named Weighing device for receiving coinstherefrom, means actuated by the coincontrolled mechanism for clearingthe magnet of coins diverted thereby, and means operable. by vibrationof the support for preventing actuation of the last named Weighingdevice.

5. In a coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, an inclinedchute carried by the support, a pivoted weighing device associated withthe chute for ejecting coins of a predetermined weight, a second chuterelated to the first named chute, a weighing the support is vibrated,and means operable by the controlled mechanism restoring the latchingmeans to non-functional position.

6. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a support, a coin chute on thesupport, a weighing device associated with the coin chute operable bycoins of a determined weight, a c0in-controlled mechanism carried by thesupport for receiving coins from the weighing mechanism, means foractuating the coin-controlled mechanism, means responsive to vibrationof the support for latching the weighing mechanism to prevent operationthereof when the support is vibrated, and means for restoring thelatching means on initial actuation of the coin-controlled mechanism.

7. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a support, a coin chute on thesupport, a weighing device associated with the coin chute operable bycoins of a determined weight, a coincontrolled mechanism carried by thesupport for receiving coins from the weighing mechanism, means foractuating the coin-controlled mechanism, means responsive to vibrationof the support for latching the weighingmechanism to prevent operationthereof when the support is vibrated, means for restoring the latchingmeans on initial actuation of the coin-controlled mechanism, andyielding means for restoring the weighing mechanism to functionalposition when it has ope 'ated to pass a coin to the coin-controlledmechanism.

l 8. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a support, a coin chute on thesupport, a weighing device associated with the coin chute operable bycoins of a determined weight, a coincontrolled mechanism carried by thesupport forlreceiving coins fromv the weighing mechanism, means foractuating the coin-controlled mechanism, means responsive to vibrationof the support for latching theweigh- 'ing mechanism to preventoperation thereof when the support is vibrated, and means for restoringthe latching means.

9. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a sup port, a coin chute on thesupport, a weighing device associated with the coin chute operable bycoins of a determined weight, a coin- -controlled mechanism carried bythe support for receiving coins from the weighing mechanism, means foractuating the coin-controlled mechanism, means responsive to vibrationof the support for automatically latching the weighing mechanism toprevent operation thereof when the support is vibrated, means forrestoring the latching means on initial actuation of the coin-controlledmechanism.

10. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a sup port, a coin chute on thesupport, a weighing device in the coin chute operable by coins of adetermined weight, a coin-controlled mechanism carried by the supportfor receiving coins from the weighing mechanism, means for'actuating thecoin-controlled mechanism, means responsive to vibration of the supportfor latching the weighing mechanism to prevent'operation thereof whenthe support is vibrated, and means for restoring the latching means onactuation of the coin-controlled mechanism, v

11. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a weighing device on the supportoperable by coins of a determined weight, a coin-controlled mechanismcarried by the support for receiving coins from the weighing mechmeanson initial actuation of the coin-controlled mechanism.

12. A coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, a coin chute onthe support, a second coinchute associated with the first named chute,weighing devices in said chutes for ejecting certain coins passedthrough the chutes, receiving coins ejected from one of said weighingdevices, a magnet associated with said chutes, means for permittinginitial free movement of the ratchet wheel, a lever as sociated with theratchet wheel, a pin engaging the lever for moving the lever duringinitial'movement of a cycle of the ratchet wheel, a spring operablyconnected with said lever for completing the cycle of the ratchet acoin-controlled ratchet wheel for wheel, means actuated by said leverduring initial movement ofthe ratchet wheel for clearing the magnet ofspurious coins that may be attracted thereto, and means actuated duringinitial movementof the ratchet wheel to restore one of said weighingmechanisms to functional position after a coin has been ejected thereby.

13. A. coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, a coin chute onthe support,

a second coin chute associated with the first I named chute, weighingdevices in said chutes for ejecting coins passed through the chutes, acoin-controlled ratchet wheel for receiving coins ejected from one ofsaid weighing devices, a magnet associated with said chutes,

means for providing initial rotation of the ratchet wheel, a leverassociated with the ratchet wheel, a pin engaging the lever for movingthe lever during initial rotation of the ratchet wheel, a springassociated with said lever for completing the cycle of the ratchetwheel, and means actuated by said lever during initial rotation of theratchet wheel for clearing the magnet of spurious coins that may beattracted thereto.

14. A coin-controlled mechanism comprising a support, a coin chute onthe support, a second coin chute associated with the first named chute,weighing devices in said chutes for ejecting coins passed through thechutes, a coin-controlled ratchet wheel for coins ejected from one ofsaid devlces, a magnet associated with eceiving weighing said chute-s,means for providing initial rotation of the ratchet wheel, a leverassociated with the ratchet wheel, a pin engaging the lever for movingthe lever during initial rotation of the ratchet wheel, a spring forcompleting the cycle of the ratchet wheel, and

-means actuated during initial movement of fi at het Wheel to restoreone ofsaid weigh ing mechanisms to functional position after a coin hasbeen ejected thereby.

15. In a coin-controlled mechanism, a support, a downwardly inclinedcoin chute on a support, an oppositely inclined coin chute having anopening therein for receiving coins passed from the first named chute, amagnet carried by the support adjacent the ends of said chutes, apivoted plate normally closing the opening in the last named chute,means for adjustably retaining said plate in closed position, acoin-controlled ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on the support, a coinpocket on the ratchet wheel, a laterally extending pin on the ratchetwheel, a latch bar operable for preventing operation of the pivotedplate, a lever pivoted to the support and adapted to be engaged by thepin on the ratchet wheel, a second lever pivoted on the support andengageable with the latch bar, a link connecting the levers, a springfor retaining the first named lever in engagement with the pin on theratchet wheel, and means for providing initial movement of the ratchetwheel to cause the pin to move the lever and tension the spring forcontinuing movement of the ratchet wheel to complete its cycle.

16. In a coin-controlled mechanism,

a support, an inclined coin chute having an opening therein, a pivotedplate normally closing the opening, means for adjustably retaining saidplate in closed position, a coin controlled ratchet wheel rotatablymounted on the sup port, a coin pocket on the ratchet wheel, a laterallyextending pin on the ratchet wheel, a latch bar operable for preventingoperation of the pivoted plate, a lever pivoted to the support andadapted to be engaged by the pin on the ratchet wheel, a second leverpivoted on the support and engageable with the latch bar to move thelatch bar, a link connecting the levers, a spring for retaining thefirst named lever in engagement with the pin on the ratchet wheel, andmeans for providing initial movement of the ratchet wheel to move thelever and tension the spring for continuing movement of the ratchetwheel to complete its cycle.

In a coin-controlled mechanism, a support, a downwardly inclined coinchute on a support, an oppositely inclined coin chute having an openingtherein for receiving coins passed from the first named chute, a magnetcarried by the support adjacent the ends of said chutes, a pivoted platenormally closing the opening but adapted to pivot to pass a coin throughthe opening in the last named chute, means for adjusta-bly retainingsaid plate in closed position, a coin controlled ratchet wheel rotatablymounted on the sup port, a coin pocket on the ratchet wheel to receivethe coin passed through said opening, means adapted to be released bysaid coin for preventing rotation of the ratchet wheel, a laterallyextending pin on the ratchet wheel,

a latch bar operable for preventing operation of the pivoted plate, alever pivoted to the support and adapted to be engaged by the pin onpivoted on the support and engageable with the latch bar, a linkconnecting the levers,

a spring for retaining the first named lever 19. In a coin-controlledmechanism, a support, a coin weighing device carried by the supportincluding a pivoted plate, a latch bar slidably mounted on the supportand operable under vibration of the support, means on the support forretaining the latch bar for preventing pivotal movement of the platewhen the latch bar is in functional position.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

CHARLES A. MELCHERT.

the ratchet wheel, a second lever

